Rucchin Nominated for Masterton

Steve Rucchin, who has overcome injuries and personal tragedy, was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, by the Anaheim chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Assn.

Rucchin has missed 110 of 164 games the last two seasons because of injuries. At the same time, his brother, Larry Rucchin, struggled with cancer and died in June.

“[Steve] is a valuable guy,” Duck forward Mike Leclerc said. “He is effective in every situation. He’s important in the dressing room [as a leader].”

Rucchin’s value was apparent when he missed 11 games in 1999-2000.

The Ducks went 2-7-2 in those games and missed the playoffs by four points.

He is third on the Ducks with 20 goals and second with 56 points this season.

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TONIGHT

at St. Louis, 5, ESPN

Site -- Savvis Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 36-26-9-4, Blues 38-19-9-6.

Record vs. Blues -- 3-0.

Update -- Duck center Andy McDonald, trying to return from a concussion, did not feel well and did not participate in the morning skate Wednesday.